Flooding in Northern Bangkok reaches Don Muang airport’s area

BANGKOK, Thailand (eTN) – While the government and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration tries to control the level of flooding in Thailand’s capital as much as possible, some districts in Northern an

BANGKOK, Thailand (eTN) – While the government and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration tries to control the level of flooding in Thailand’s capital as much as possible, some districts in Northern and Eastern Bangkok remain under water. The latest casualty has happened around Don Muang Airport.

Although operations within the airfield’s compound remain normal, the access to Bangkok’s second airport – used now by domestic low-cost carriers, Nok Air and Orient Thai – is more difficult. Parts of the road system around the airport have been covered by water, especially along the rail line passing the airport. According to website, Pantip.com, there is 20 cm (nearly 8 inches) of water surrounding Bangkok airport.

“People can still access Don Muang airport by taking the elevated tollway. They might, however, allow themselves more time to reach the airport. Our flights operate, however, as usual,” explained Suriyapa Bunnag, Vice President, Corporate Communication, Nok Air.

The situation in Bangkok remains uncertain despite the fact that so far, Bangkok city center – except along the Chao Praya River – has been spared by flooding. Boats doing trips between both banks of the river suspended their operation as risks are higher. “However all major tourist sites and attractions in Bangkok are still accessible. And the situation is fully normal in Chiang Mai, but also in Pattaya, Hua Hin, or the deep south. People can still go there as Suvarnabhumi Airport is fully operational,” highlighted Titiporn Manenate, Director of the International Public Relations Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT is due to make the trip to London for the World Travel Market on November 7. The tourism authority will host a press conference to explain to both media and tour operators the situation within the country and highlight places where tourists can still safely go. “We have to show that we are still capable to welcome tourists. As living for many people has been affected by floods around the country, tourism is still the best way to help locals,” said Mrs. Manenate. One event has already been postponed: the Royal Flora Exhibition in Chiang Mai, due to start in November, was pushed back to mid-December.

TAT advises to check its website every day, which brings daily updates under www.tatnews.org , as well as under the link http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_around_thailand.php?id=5923 (Thailand Public Relations Department with links to all services and phone numbers dealing with flooding and emergency services). TAT recommends also looking at daily newspapers in English such as the Bangkok Post and the Nation to get instant updates. The bad news is that some experts have already announced that it would take up to one month to clear all the waters out of the capital.

About the author

Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz has continuously worked in the travel and tourism industry since he was a teenager in Germany (1977).
He founded eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

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